The Delhi High Court has sought the stance of the Centre and the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on a petition filed by shooter Manini Kaushik, seeking permission to participate in the trials for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The Judge
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed authorities to seek instructions by next week regarding allowing the 50m Rifle 3 Positions shooter, who had raised concerns about the eligibility criteria, to compete in the trials scheduled from April 18 onwards.
“In the meantime, instructions concerning permitting the petitioner to participate (in the trials), without prejudice to the rights and contentions of respondents, should be obtained,” stated the court, scheduling further hearing on April 22.
The petitioner’s legal representative described it as an “unfortunate case” where a player, whose contribution to the sport was even recognized by the Prime Minister in a letter to her after winning the silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games, has not been called for selection.
Noting that sportspersons deserve more respect, Justice Gedela urged authorities to allow the petitioner to participate in the trials while her plea is pending.
“I am not suggesting her selection. (But) allow her to participate. Time is running out. It is already the 16th. Give her the chance to participate in the selection process… We will listen to your side. It will not prejudice your case,” remarked the court.
“There must be some significance to the PM’s letter to her,” it added.
NRAI
NRAI mentioned that the case was not adversarial and acknowledged the petitioner as a proficient shooter, but permitting her to participate could have implications as there were other players in similar situations. It emphasized that the selection process was not “casual,” and the eligibility criteria for participating in the trials were properly outlined.
